What is the training method and why is it different? 
The method I use is positive reinforcement, which means good behavior is followed by a reward.  Rewards always come after a behavior, and should not be used as bribes.  I also use a small device called a clicker, which I used frequently as a marine mammal trainer.  Clicker training helps animals identify which behavior was correct and which was not.  With a clicker, an owner can easily "select" desirable behaviors from the dog, such as silence rather than barking.  By using clicks and rewards, training becomes easy and effective.



    Won't this spoil the dog? Make it fat? Teach it to beg for treats?    
Absolutely not!  A method cannot spoil your dog, only YOU can be gulity of that!  A CPDT-KA will show you the difference between a bribe and a reward.  Remember, rewards aren't limited to fatty treats.  Daily kibble can be used, as well as toys, walks, games, car rides or just about anything the dog will work for!  When you teach a dog that following the rules is more fun than breaking them, you create a willing student.  Gypsy (pictured left) is performing a Sit & Stay, not because I will punish her if she refuses, but because she is eager to earn her life rewards.  She enjoyed a nice long tug on her rope toy for this behavior (which she performed near a live squirrel). Next time she might receive a piece of chicken jerky stuffed into a food puzzle.

    Will I have to use a clicker and treats forever?
Nope!  A clicker is just like a textbook; you will use it until your dog becomes fluent in the behavior like a language.  Then you can fade the clicker away or use it to train other behaviors.  If your dog's fluency drops, bring back the clicker until the good behavior recovers - it's easy!

Clicker training also allows you to keep advancing in skill level.  Imagine walking a dog who lunges at other dogs; with clicker training it is possible to reduce the reactivity, improve leash handling skills and increase attention at the same time!    

         

                   Why don't you use punishments?
First, they can cause physical and psychological harm.  Second, they are often abused.  Finally, there is no scientific evidence that demonstrates their efficacy.  However, the best reason of all is that punishments are simply unnecessary when positive methods are readily available and scientifically proven to be more effective.  Seasoned trainers in accredited zoos & aquariums interact with large animals every day and forgo punishments for rewards.  Instead, they use privileges like food, toys and social greetings to produce good behavior from their animals.  When animals refuse to behave, there may be a very good reason; they may be too distracted to perform, they may be ill or injured, under stress, etc.  Using punishment at such times can actually make the bad behavior much worse.



                Why is my dog so bad?  Is it mad at something?
Dogs misbehave for a number of reasons.  Bad behavior often results when owners don't effectively teach the rules or accidently reward the dog for breaking them.  Many owners do not even realize they have done this!  Other reasons for bad behavior include boredom, anxiety, fear and lack of socialization.  A CPDT-KA is skilled in these areas and will help you address the bad behavior as well as the cause.  
    
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